Social Justice and Cultural Immersion in Mexico

I’m thrilled to invite you on a life-changing journey to Mexico—one of the most vibrant, complex, and beautiful countries in the world. As the faculty director of this unique study abroad program, I couldn’t be more excited to guide you through an immersive experience where language learning comes alive through meaningful connection, cultural exploration, and a deep commitment to social justice.

This isn’t just about improving your Spanish—though you’ll absolutely do that. It’s about stepping into a community, listening with humility, and learning what activism looks like outside of your home country. Through partnerships with local organizations and indigenous communities, we’ll explore real-world issues and amplify voices that often go unheard. You’ll see how change happens on the ground, how resistance is woven into daily life, and how dignity, identity, and justice intersect in powerful ways.

If you’re looking to grow as a global citizen, deepen your empathy, and truly engage with Mexican culture—not as a tourist, but as a thoughtful participant—this program is for you. Let’s learn, feel, speak, and act together.

Beatriz Pariente-Beltrán, Senior Lecturer in Spanish

Learning Goals

• Enhance Spanish language skills to an intermediate-high level focusing on fluency, accuracy, and complexity in speaking, reading, listening and writing.
• Deepen cultural awareness by exploring historical, political, and social aspects of Mexico.
• Gain insights into cultural nuances, traditions and contemporary issues through immersive experiences, engaging with local communities and Central American migrants.
• Explore issues such as social justice, immigration and sustainability at the intersections of race, gender and ethnicity through guided discussions with Mexican experts.   
• Reflect critically on the relationship between Mexico and the United States.
• Challenge and widen one’s own assumptions and cultural and personal values through exposure to new worldviews and ways of life.

Prerequisites

Applicants should have sophomore, junior or senior status in the 2026-27 academic year and be eligible to enroll in SPAN 204 in Fall 2026. Students with a strong interest in taking Spanish courses beyond the language requirement and/or pursuing a major or minor in Spanish are especially encouraged to apply.

Course of Study

12 CREDITS

Accepted students will enroll in a special section of SPAN 204 in the Fall before departure, as well as SPAN 203 during the first five weeks of Winter term, for a total of 12 credits. All 12 credits count toward the major or minor in Spanish.

SPAN 204: Social Justice and Cultural Immersion in Mexico: Intermediate Spanish (Fall 2026) (6 credits)

Through discussion of literary and cultural texts and films, as well as a review of grammar, this course aims to help students acquire greater skill and confidence in both oral and written expression. Taught three days a week in Spanish. Prerequisite: Spanish 103 or equivalent and acceptance into the OCS program Social Justice and Cultural Immersion in Mexico.
Instructor: Beatriz Pariente-Beltrán

SPAN 203: Social Justice and Cultural Immersion in Mexico: Social Justice and Cultural Immersion in Mexico (Winter 2027) (6 credits)

This course is the second part of a two-term sequence, starting with a special section of SPAN 204 in the fall. The course offers an immersive experience in language and culture, focusing on boosting Spanish skills through instruction and immersion while exploring social justice issues. Participants connect with local leaders to deepen their understanding of Mexican culture. Upon returning to campus, students analyze their experiences through reflections and present their findings in a poster presentation. This program aims to equip participants with language proficiency and cultural sensitivity for a globalized world.
Instructor: Beatriz Pariente-Beltrán

Housing

Students will stay in hostels in Mexico City (about 5 days). During the rest of the 3-week program, students will stay with families in Cuernavaca and in the indigenous community of Amatlán de Quetzalcóatl. 

Field Experiences

During the Spanish 204+ immersion program in Mexico, students embark on an enriching journey with culturally immersive excursions. They explore the ancient temples of Teotihuacan, understanding pre-Columbian history and spiritual beliefs. Students will visit historic landmarks in Mexico City including the Zócalo, the Basílica de Guadalupe, the Centro Histórico, the Folkloric Ballet of Amalia Hernández at the Fine Art Palace, Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, the National Museum of Anthropology, and Xochimilco, among others. They will also engage in an intimate dialogue with Central and South American migrants at Casa Tochán and with members of the Otomí indigenous community at Orgullo Otomí. Through these experiences, students will learn about international and local migration, displacement and community organizing.

The program extends to Cuernavaca, renowned as the “City of the Eternal Spring.” Here, students will live with Mexican families, learn about daily life customs and traditions, and participate in educational sessions to talk about feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, migration, liberation theology, environmental justice activism, and race in Mexico.

In Amatlán de Quetzalcóatl, students will meet with indigenous community and spiritual leaders and stay with families for two nights at this Nahua indigenous village 50 minutes outside of Cuernavaca.